Dark Crimes: Film Noir Thrillers: Volume 1

"The Glass Key" (1942), Dashiell Hammett's tale of political corruption, blackmail, and murder, stars Alan Ladd as an aide to kingmaker Brian Donlevy who must clear his boss's name when he's accused of killing a candidate's son. Veronica Lake, William Bendix co-star. Secretary Ella Raines joins forces with cop Thomas Gomez to find the person who killed boss Alan Curtis' wife--a crime he has been sentenced to die for. Can they find the "Phantom Lady" (1944) who was with Curtis on that fateful night? Franchot Tone, Elisha Cook, Jr. co-star. "The Blue Dahlia" (1946) stars Alan Ladd as a naval pilot returned home to find his wife involved with another man. When she's found murdered, Ladd becomes the prime suspect, and he must clear his name with the help of Veronica Lake, the estranged spouse of his wife's lover. William Bendix, Howard Da Silva co-star; Raymond Chandler scripts. 4 1/2 hrs. total on three discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; photo gallery.